President Donald Trump’s influence among Republican voters faced a challenge in Tennessee as the state’s primaries unfolded Thursday. The newly redrawn congressional map aims to bolster Republican chances of expanding their majority in the U.S. House this fall.
In the Republican House primaries, the results were mixed for Trump. State Sen. Brent Taylor, supported by Trump, secured the GOP nomination in the 9th Congressional District. However, in the 5th District, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated Trump-endorsed incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles.
Taylor’s win sets the stage for a showdown in November against progressive state Rep. Justin Pearson. Pearson, backed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, gained attention after his expulsion following a gun control protest in 2023.
Elsewhere in the state, Sen. Marsha Blackburn secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination. This puts Blackburn on a path to possibly become Tennessee’s first female governor and potentially vacate her U.S. Senate seat.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Tennessee! One year ago, we set out on this journey with one goal: to make Tennessee America’s conservative leader and show the nation what strong, bold, conservative leadership looks like,” Blackburn stated. She expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the Republican nominee for Governor.
Ogles’ loss marked a setback for Trump, who had supported the incumbent through various means such as a virtual rally. Despite endorsements from prominent figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Ogles lost in a district redrawn to include a new GOP electorate.
Hatcher’s victory came amid substantial opposition faced by Ogles, including nearly $1 million spent by the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, opposing Ogles and supporting Hatcher.
The newly redrawn congressional lines also transformed other districts. The Democratic-leaning 9th District in Memphis was altered, prompting Democrat Steve Cohen to withdraw his reelection bid. This change potentially sets the stage for a Republican 9-0 sweep.
Taylor, endorsed by Trump, will attempt to capture the final seat for a Republican sweep of the Tennessee delegation. Meanwhile, Pearson aims to maintain a Democratic presence in the Memphis district.
With Blackburn winning the gubernatorial primary over Rep. John Rose, her potential election as governor could lead to consequences in Washington. Although she does not need to vacate her Senate seat immediately, a gubernatorial win would necessitate a Senate vacancy.